Windmill Park murder suspect pleads not guilty

The man charged with killing three people in Fairmont’s Windmill Park in 1974 pleaded not guilty to the charges Monday.

Eddie Washington, 59, spoke in a soft, raspy voice as he entered his pleas on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy.

Marion County Circuit Judge Michael Aloi then denied bond for Washington as he awaits trial. A trial date of May 15 was continued Monday to the June term of the court.

Neil Hamilton, Washington’s defense lawyer, also asked for a copy of testimony from the grand jury. Judge Aloi granted that request.

Washington and Phillip Reese Bush were indicted last month on three counts of murder in connection to the deaths of Fairmont residents Guy Lester Phillips, 20, his wife, Wanda Jane Phillips, 19, and Billy Ray Cobb, 27. Police say the three victims were shot execution style.

Bush is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday.

Police in several states assisted with the investigation. New information surfaced in Sept. 2012, leading to a revival in the investigation and Washington’s arrest.

Washington was brought back to West Virginia after being arrested in Florida. Bush was later named in a criminal complaint and arrested.